Riley Smith – Radio

By starrymag | March 22, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I’ve been juggling acting on the new Fox drama “Proven Innocent” and putting out a new single and video each month. It’s been a lot of fun work.

 

Q) Your new song “Radio” is out now! Talk about the story behind the song.

 

A) The idea stemmed from being on a road trip with a girl and every other song that came on the radio was an artist she “loved.” She knew all the words, sang along the whole road trip. And I just thought if I wanted to get this girl’s attention the best way to do it is to get on the radio. Her radio.

 

Q) You worked with Kevin Leach on production for the single. How much of a say do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I’m a part of it from beginning to end. And Kevin’s really good about taking my ideas and imputing them into the final product. We work really well together. He’s so talented but always encourages my creative input. I think that’s part of what keeps the music authentic, that it has a touch of me in every facet.

 

Q) What is it about country music or music in general that continues to make it one of your favorite creative outlets?

 

A) I’m a story teller. Always have been. It doesn’t matter if I’m telling the story of a character I’m playing on TV, telling a story in a bar or writing music, I’m always sharing my journey with anyone that will listen (or watch).

 

Q) Talk about how Grammy award winning Nathan Dantzler came to master the song.

 

A) Nathan works with Kevin Leach a lot. They started out together in LA, but I didn’t meet them until we were in Nashville. Nathan has blown up, so I’m just lucky to have his time on my records.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) I’m going to take all the singles from 2019 and put them into a full-length record at the end of the year. I wanna release on vinyl. It’s always been a dream.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from playing your music?

 

A) Honest lyrics that they can connect to.

 

Q) What drew you to wanting to be a part of the show “Proven Innocent?”

 

A) The character Levi is so misunderstood. That’s my favorite type of person to play. Why? Because aren’t we all misunderstood? I feel like that kind of character is relatable if people are honest with themselves.

 

Q) How was Levi originally described to you?

 

A) Misunderstood. [smiles] Wrongfully accused.

 

Q) Who were you most excited about sharing a scene with from the cast? 

 

A) I enjoy working with everyone. There’s always something to learn.

 

Q) After joining the show, were you told who killed Rosemary or is it still a secret to you?

 

A) The producers wouldn’t tell us until the day the last script was released and we read it for ourselves.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that will make it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) It’s an important issue in our society. I hope people realize that as they watch these episodes. Most of which our literally ripped from present day headlines and have effected real people in real ways.